Synonyms for

Little

Verb / ˈlɪtʌl / Another word for little — explore alternatives below. For syllable breakdowns and pronunciation, see this word on Syllablesworld.

Definition

small in size, amount, or degree

Synonyms & similar words

footling much large picayune lilliputian big slight piddling piffling minuscule niggling short petty trivial tall small fiddling tiny small minute petite miniature diminutive wee little-bitty pint-sized undersized compact dinky fun-size itty-bitty microscopic mini peewee pocket-size pygmy scanty

Synonyms by register

Formal

small minor slight insignificant

Informal

tiny wee itty-bitty puny

Literary

diminutive minuscule paltry

Antonyms

big large great huge enormous considerable substantial

Common collocations

  • little by little
  • a little bit
  • little wonder
  • little more than
  • little to no
  • little man
  • little girl

Word family

noun littleness
adjective little
adverb little

Usage note

Often used to express affection or endearment, but can also imply insignificance or lack of importance depending on context.

Example sentences

  1. The little bird hopped on the branch.
  2. I have a little bit of candy left.
  3. My little sister is learning to read.
  4. The toy car is little compared to the real car.
  5. The little dog barked at the mailman.

Quotes

  • Little by little, one travels far. - J.R.R. Tolkien
  • The world is little, people are little, human life is little. There is only one big thing — desire. - Willa Cather
  • The greatest step is out the door. The greatest step is the first step. The greatest step is always the next step. - Unknown

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